For Immediate Release s120

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Elyse Tipton 207-775-5216 ext. 103 [email protected]

WMTW TV 8 News Anchor Erin Ovalle to Host Awards Reception for Center for Grieving Children Golf Tournament

PORTLAND, Maine, September 9, 2015—WMTW TV 8 News Anchor Erin Ovalle will serve as celebrity host of the Awards Reception for Swing “Fore” the Center: The 2015 Paul Gray Memorial Golf Tournament. A benefit for the Center for Grieving Children, the sold- out tournament is coming up next week, on Tuesday, September 15, 2015 at the Purpoodock Club in Cape Elizabeth.

“The Center is such an important community resource that I am pleased to help in any way I can,” Ovalle said. “I started volunteering with the Center six years ago after my father died. It's a cause very near and dear to my heart. And the golf tournament will be a special day, on a beautiful course, during Maine’s best month for golf. I can’t wait!”

The Center’s tournament is in memory of Paul Gray, a former Center board member and longtime leader with Maine Medical Center and MaineHealth. MaineHealth and The Thomas Agency are Title Sponsors of this year’s tournament. TexTech is its Ace Sponsor. Maine Medical Mutual is Awards Reception Sponsor.

Thanks to Yankee Ford in South Portland, tournament players will be able to compete for a brand new car parked just off the hole-in-one green. In addition, the Friends of Paul Gray are sponsoring the tournament’s $10,000 putting contest. And this year, at the 50- 50 Vegas Hole, players will have the chance to improve team scores with a poker hand.

Each member of the tournament’s winning foursome receives a certificate for a custom- made article of clothing from Maine-based Cape Madras, in tribute to Paul Gray’s preference for madras shorts on the golf course. Top three teams also receive gift certificates to the Purpoodock Pro Shop.

Although team sponsorships and golfing opportunities are sold out, nongolfers can support the Center by buying tickets for the Awards Reception at $40 each and $75 per couple, which includes buffet dinner.

Additional tournament sponsors include: Patrons Oxford Insurance, Anthem, and Gorham Savings Bank. All proceeds from this event will help the Center keep its services free for grieving children and families.

ABOUT THE CENTER FOR GRIEVING CHILDREN—For children and families confronting loss, change, and grief when someone close to them dies or is seriously ill, the Center for Grieving Children is an oasis of loving support where it’s safe to talk about feelings and experiences. At no charge, the Center’s age-specific peer support groups are available weekly in Portland and Sanford. In partnership with Portland Public Schools, the Center also offers peer support for children resettled locally from countries suffering violent conflict or natural disaster. Additional peer support groups are available for young adults, bereaved parents, and widows/widowers/partners. Community outreach throughout the year brings the Center’s training, information, and crisis support to schools, workplaces, and other organizations. Trained volunteers make the Center’s services possible. Founded in 1987, the Center today serves more than 4,000 people annually, and depends on funding from individuals, businesses, foundations, and United Way. For more information: (207) 775-5216 and cgcmaine.org.